University leaders take to pulpits to recruit pupils

KESQ-3, 2/19/07

Associated Press

Leaders of California State University took to the pulpit today to preach the importance of going to college.

The recruitment effort, called Super Sunday, sent administrators of the nation's largest four-year public university to 18 predominantly black churches in Northern California in an effort to boost enrollment.

About six percent of the 400-thousand students at C-S-U are black, compared to a state population of 7 percent.

Super Sunday is one of a number of initiatives aimed at increasing minority enrollment. In another program, CSU offers classes targeted at Hispanic parents to explain the mechanics of preparing their children for college and dispel any cultural resistance there may be to applying for financial aid.